7 Surprising Spices That Support Healthy Hair

If you've been into natural beauty since you tinted your tresses with henna in middle school, you've probably tried everything from avocado masks to skin-smoothing shea butter. It's time to revitalize your easy, breezy routine by adding these seven spices to your hair care regimen.

Black Pepper

Pepper up your tresses by applying this go-to spice, which facilitates the flow of blood and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. You'll notice your hair remains healthy and strong even as it grows faster than expected. Just mix a tablespoon of black pepper with about 1/4 cup each black castor and coconut oils (organic if possible). Apply it to your scalp for about 20 minutes, then rinse completely before styling those gorgeous locks.

Chamomile

While you're making your next cup of tea, steep some for your hair to revitalize your roots, soothe itching, and moisturize the scalp and strands. You only need to boil a teaspoon of chamomile flower in 1 cup of water and use it to rinse your hair after your next shampoo and condition.

Cinnamon

You know about the sun's unwanted impact on your skin, but you should also be aware of environmental damage to your hair and scalp. In addition to wearing a hat whenever you have a pool day planned, you can use cinnamon to dial back dryness and damage caused by the sun. Because it increases cell turnover and circulation, it also encourages hair growth. To take advantage of this spicy tip, simply stir some cinnamon (a teaspoon or two) into your oatmeal, cereal or morning beverage of choice. You can also mix it with some olive oil and honey to make a salve that will soothe and exfoliate your scalp.

Cumin

In addition to cooking up an amazing curry, cumin can reduce symptoms of dry scalp, help moisturize your mane, and even prevent damage. To try this tip, slowly stir warm water into powdered cumin until you have a pasty texture. Spread the solution on clean hair and relax for 30 minutes, then wash it out, condition, and do your thing.

Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo makes a great rinse if you want to accelerate hair growth. According to research published in Neuroradiology, this herb works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. Throw a few cups of dried ginkgo Biloba in a pot of boiling water and steep for a few minutes, then use the resulting mixture as a rinse whenever you wash your hair.

Rosemary

Essential oil made from this herb can help with hair growth. However, don't put the formula directly onto your scalp, which can cause irritation. Instead, add a few drops to your shampoo or mix with a gentle, moisturizing oil like sunflower, coconut and jojoba to make a hair mask. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research even showed that the spice can shield against pattern baldness by rejuvenating nerves in the scalp.

Mustard

It's not just a sandwich spread - when massaged into your scalp, mustard oil boosts the health of your hair with fatty acids and antioxidants. It has been also used to help hair growth for generations in India since it's rich in nutritious zinc, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, D and E. In addition, studies suggest mustard oil may help shield the scalp from the sun's damaging UV rays. Finally, you can even use this essential substance to treat minor scalp infections and deep condition your tresses.

Next time you feel like your locks are looking a little lackluster, raid your kitchen for any of these seven spices to restore your hair to its most glorious state without leaving your home.

7 Ways To Care for Your Natural Gray Hair

Most people will reach a point in their lives when their hair begins to turn gray. While some will view this transition as tragic, attempting to hide their gray hairs through plucking or dying, others will embrace the gray, often having a bolder style for it. 

While you might want to embrace your natural gray hair, you must remember that gray hair is different from the rest of your hair. Gray hair tends to be more brittle and requires more care and attention. Therefore, to help you on your gray hair journey, you can follow seven tips for gray hair maintenance.

1. Experiment With Style

Because gray hair is a different texture than your youthful hair, you might find that your previous hairstyles do not work. It might take you a while to come up with a hairstyle you like with your fresh gray color. If you want some assistance, talk to your local hairstylist, they should be able to offer some suggestions.

2. Ensure Proper Nutrition

Gray hair is typically accompanied by hair loss and thinning. Because of the new challenges you are facing with your hair, it is more important than ever to ensure you are getting proper nutrition. Talk to your doctor to figure out what nutrients you need and whether a multivitamin would help.

3. Use the Right Products

Gray hair can dehydrate quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to use a moisturizer daily. Additionally, you want to use gentler products that are specifically designed for gray hair. 

Additionally, gray hair is usually quite porous, meaning it is sensitive to contaminants. Without the correct products and hair care routine, your hair can start to yellow. To prevent yellowing or dull hair, consider using a special shampoo for a shinier finish.

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4. Protect Against Sun Exposure

Gray hair burns easily, which is why you often see mature ladies wearing hats or headcovers. When hair burns, it can turn yellow. Unfortunately, yellow caused by burning can take months to correct. Many hair care experts suggest putting your hair into a braid so it can be entirely covered by a hat.

5. Expect Texture Changes

Gray hair will not have the texture you were used to with your youthful hair. In most cases, gray hair is dry, brittle, and often frizzy. It can also become coarse. However, despite the bad news, gray hair can be quite beautiful, with a unique sheen that is unattainable by other means. As long as you care for your hair, it will remain healthy, shiny, and gorgeous.

6. Avoid Heat

While you might have used hot blowers and irons to style your hair in the past, you will need to account for your gray hair's different texture and condition. Gray hair burns easily, so you will want to avoid extreme heat.  

When using styling tools, you should control the temperature so it doesn't exceed 350°.  Additionally, avoid spending too much time in one area. It is also beneficial to use a heat protection spray first.

7. Use Satin Pillowcases

While many women do not consider a satin pillowcase when they go gray, it is an excellent option for protecting the integrity of the hair. The satin creates less friction, protecting the hair from breakage.

Gray hair is nothing to fret over. It is a natural part of aging, and with the right tools and routine, gray hair can be beautiful.

How do you feel about gray hair? Comment below.